Problem gambling is an impulse control disorder that has numerous consequences. People with gambling addictions need to increase their stakes to maintain the same “high.” This leads to a vicious cycle, as they are unable to resist increased craving and weakened control over their impulses. The consequences of gambling addiction are not only physical, but also psychological, social, and professional. Learn more about gambling addictions and how to recognize them. If you or someone you know is suffering from gambling addiction, here are some helpful tips to help you get help.
Problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder
Gambling problems were once considered an impulse-control disorder, but have been recently reclassified as an addiction by the American Psychiatric Association. Though gambling is a harmless form of entertainment for most people, it can have devastating consequences for those who become addicted. Most people are unaware of the dangers of problem gambling. Fortunately, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. The following article will look at some of these factors.
Pathological gambling can cause considerable harm to one’s finances, career, and other relationships. It disrupts family relationships, and can result in job loss, forced unemployment, or the sale of personal belongings in order to pay for gambling debts. Because pathological gamblers never stop looking for a “system” to recover lost money, they end up losing even more than they started with. Even worse, they tend to conceal their behaviour from friends and family, often borrowing money from them.
It can be a way to self-soothe unpleasant feelings
There are many different reasons why people gamble, including their personality, their social environment, or even boredom. People use gambling as a way to de-stress or release unpleasant emotions. Gambling is a healthy way to spend time when you don’t have anything better to do. However, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of gambling addiction, and find ways to overcome your urge to gamble.
People who gamble may be trying to escape bullying or other negative emotions. But this can lead to more problems – falling behind on homework, falling out with parents, and more. Gambling is a form of escapism, and withdrawal from gambling can be as difficult as quitting a substance. When this happens, you may be more irritable and angry than you were before, and you might resort to manipulative behaviour or lies in order to distract yourself.
It can lead to thoughts of suicide
Recent research suggests that problem gamblers are at an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts and attempts. The gambling and emotional symptoms are linked to increased risk for suicidal behavior, and the risks of suicide in problem gamblers were found to be six to fifteen times higher than in the general population. Even after correction for other factors, this elevated risk remained. Other risk factors such as depression, substance abuse, and financial problems are known to increase the risk of suicide, but gambling is still a significant contributor to this problem.
A recent study examined the association between problem gambling and suicide attempts in 248 gamblers. They found that problem gamblers were twice as likely to experience suicide ideas and attempts as the general population. The study also found that problem gamblers were significantly more likely to experience depression and other comorbid conditions. Despite the lack of direct evidence for the causal connection between gambling and suicide, there are numerous other factors that appear to play a role.
It can be a way to make new friends
Not everyone who gambles is looking to make new friends. Some people enjoy gambling online as a way to socialize and make friends, while others hope to meet up in person. If you’re the former, you can suggest a meetup, but make sure to stay safe while doing so. Not every gambler is looking to make friends, so take care to avoid risky situations. Here are some tips to help you make new friends when gambling online.
Before you approach a new person, make sure you pick the right game for you to play. Newbies are usually advised to start with a game that is easy to understand, such as slots. This might sound easy, but that’s not always the case. If you’re unsure which game to play, try to find a game that’s fun and easy to understand. If you’re lucky, you’ll make new friends who share your interests.
